Method and apparatus for bridging talk groups in public/private communication systems

Abstract

A communication system ( 100 ) for bridging talk groups includes private network communication devices ( 102 ) operating within a private network system, and public network communication devices ( 110, 122, 112 ) operating within a public network system. At least one communication subsystem ( 104 ) is operable with both the private and public network systems. The communication subsystem ( 104 ) relays information between the private network communication devices ( 102 ) and the public network communication devices ( 110, 122, 112 ).

1. A communication system, comprising:
 a first talk group operating over a private radio network; 
 a second talk group operating over a public radio network; 
 at least one communication device in the first talk group having public network capability, the at least one communication device being either portable or mobile; 
 the at least one communication device relaying audio from the first talk group to the second talk group over the public network; and 
 wherein the at least one communication device includes: 
 a first receiver operable in the private network; and 
 a first transmitter operable in the private network; 
 a second receiver operable in the public network; 
 a second transmitter operable in the public network; and 
 wherein audio received from the private network at the first receiver is ported via an electrical link to the second transmitter; 
 and 
 wherein audio received from the public network at the second receiver is ported via the electrical link to the first transmitter. 
 
     
     
       2. The communication system of  claim 1 , wherein the electrical link is wireless. 
     
     
       3. The communication device of  claim 1 , wherein the electrical link is wired.